PAARL: Sophie Ecclestone’s magnificent spell powered England to bundle out Ireland for a meagre 105 before Alice Capsey’s half-century led the side to a four-wicket victory in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
After opting to bat first, Ireland’s batting lineup failed to impress as the side bundled out for a mere 105 runs in the 19th over.
Opening batter Gaby Lewis remained the top-scorer for her side with 36 off 37 deliveries while Orla Prendergast (17) was the other notable run-getter for the Irish side.
Besides their top four, the rest of the Irish batting lineup collapsed with none of them could amass double figures.
Ecclestone led the bowling attack for England with 3/13 in her four overs while Sarah Glenn returned with 3/19. Charlie Dean picked up two wickets.
Set to chase 106, England amassed the total in the 15th over for the loss of six wickets at the back of a valiant half-century by Capsey.
Capsey stitched a gritty second-wicket partnership with Danni Wyatt after England’s shaky start as Sophia Dunkley and made sure England get over the line despite a late collapse that saw England slipping from 70/1 to 103/6.
Right-handed batter Capsey top-scored for her side with a quickfire 51 off just 22 deliveries, hitting 10 boundaries and a six.
Cara Murray glimmered a ray of hope for Ireland with her magnificent bowling spell as she picked up three wickets for just 15 runs but the total on board was not enough to guide her side to victory.
Arlene Kelly and Orla Prendergast struck out a batter each for Ireland.
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